The Montgomery/Prince George's County AGA Chapter Presents
The Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Preparation Program
For more information and/or if interested please contact Michael Harrington and Helen Keys at CGFM@marylandaga.com. In addition, please indicate the CGFM examinaton you are focusing on for planning purposes. Virtual study sessions will be planned to best fit candidates' schedules.
The Benefit of the CGFM: Among government financial managers, the CGFM has become known and appreciated. It is a mark of distinction and offers you a wide range of important benefits. It:
- Demonstrates your UNDERSTANDING of all aspects of financial management in EVERY level of government.
- Gets you PLUGGED IN to the latest INFORMATION in the field and gives you ACCESS to large NETWORKS of people that will help you perform at your best.
- Makes a statement that you possess specialized SKILLS and professional EXPERTISE.
- Shows your commitment to expanding your KNOWLEDGE to handle INCREASING responsibilities.
- DIFFERENTIATES between you and others in a field that has every kind of credential, but only one that was developed by, for and with GOVERNMENT financial managers
CGFM Requirements: Candidates must complete the following to become a CGFM:
- Ethics — read and agree to abide by AGA's Code of Ethics
- Education — have a bachelor's degree in any subject area from an accredited U.S. college or university
- Examinations — pass three comprehensive CGFM examinations
- Experience — have at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management
CGFM Examination: Applicants must take\pass three comprehensive examinations to become a CGFM:
- Course 1: Governmental Environment
- Course 2: Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting and Budgeting
- Course 3: Governmental Financial Management and Control
Check out the three CGFM study guides and the CGFM practice examinations on the AGA National website.
How to apply: Follow the steps below to obtain the CGFM Certification. Visit Learn more about the process of earning the CGFM designation for more details about the CGFM application process.
Step 1 - Read the AGA's Code of Ethics
Step 2 - Apply for the CGFM Program: Submit a CGFM Program application form and fee. The non-refundable CGFM application fee is $70 for AGA members and $99 for nonmembers. AGA membership is not required.
Step 3 - Submit Required Degree Documentation: Submit an official copy of your transcript from an accredited U.S. college or university within 6 months of submitting the application form and prior to taking any CGFM Examinations.
Step 4 - Receive an Eligibility Letter: Once your application, payment and transcript are received and approved, AGA will e-mail you an eligibility letter with instructions on how to schedule your CGFM Examinations.
Step 5 - Submit a Work Verification Form: Send a Work Verification Form once you have at least two years of professional-level experience in the government financial management field. You do not have to submit this form before taking the examinations.
Step 6 - Prepare for the CGFM Examinations: Prepare for the examinations through instructor-led course, AGA study guides or other resources available at the CGFM examinations content outlines.
Step 7 - Schedule the CGFM Examinations: Follow the instructions on your eligibility letter to register with Pearson VUE, pay for the CGFM Examination(s) and schedule your testing appointments. Each CGFM examination is $125.
Step 8 - Take the CGFM Examinations: Take\pass the examinations at a Pearson VUE Professional Testing Center. See Examination Scheduling and Procedures for more information.
Step 9 - Receive CGFM Award Letter: Once you pass all three CGFM Examinations and AGA has approved your Work Verification Form, AGA will send you an official award letter announcing your CGFM designation.
Step 10 - Receive Your CGFM Certificate and Maintain Your Certification: The official CGFM certificate is usually sent 6 - 10 weeks after your AGA award letter. Remember to maintain your CGFM in active status.
Testing Locations
To find a CGFM testing location, on the AGA’s page on the Pearson VUE website, click on 'Locate a Test Center'. Select United States or Canada for country and then city or zip code you are looking for, and a list of closest Pearson Test Centers will be listed.
Visit the AGA National CGFM website for more details.